Fitness advice please!

[AnonymousMum37]

Hi,

I'm looking to get fitter and healthier in the new year (aren't we all?!).

I currently run between 5k and 10k three times a week which I really enjoy. I'm generally slow ~13 minute miles. (I ran a half marathon for charity last year, before that I hadn't really run at all, so I focused on distance rather than speedy)

I'm now trying to mix it up and do 90 second/2 minute run/walk intervals twice a week (not included in the mileage) where I can get the running bits faster in the hope I'll eventually speed up a bit overall.

I'd like to start including some resistance training, but I'm not sure when to fit it in? It doesn't seem worth me joining a gym as I work long shifts 3 days a week and already exercise on the days I'm not working.

Is there something I can do easily from home? My husband has some basic dumbbells I could use.. but I have no idea what I'm doing!

For context I'm 37, BMI 26.3.

Thank you!

Your right to be cautious, doing the wrong thing can be dangerous or pointless, if you can afford, I would hire a personal trainer to give you advise tailored to you. This can be done either private or via joining a gym even if only for a month or two.

I would start with Caroline Girvan on YouTube. You need minimal equipment and it's tough enough to make a difference without needing to join the gym.
Yoga is also brilliant for building all-over body strength for runners, while also improving stability and flexibility. Yoga with Adrienne is good; look for something that's a Vinyassa or Power Flow.

I can't afford a PT, would a basic gym membership come with some instruction?

Thank you, I hadn't thought about yoga actually. I've done a tiny bit years ago and quite liked it. Thanks.